Dick Advocaat ‘can’t wait’ to get started at Sunderland after appointment confirmed

Mark Thompson

DICK Advocaat has been appointed as head coach at Sunderland AFC until the end of the season.

Sunderland AFC chairman Ellis Short said: “Dick has an incredible CV and vast experience of managing at the very highest level. We have one aim only now - to climb the table and everyone is fully focused on the task ahead of us.”

Dick Advocaat.

The 67-year-old has replaced Gus Poyet to lead the fight against relegation for what is left of this season.

He flew into the North East last night to take over after Poyet was sacked after 17 months in charge.

Advocaat revealed yesterday that he will take over initially until the end of the season, and has already got one eye on the Wear-Tyne derby on April 5.

Advocaat said: “Sunderland is a big club and I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead. We must now concentrate on Saturday as a priority and I can’t wait to get started.”

Sunderland is a big club and I am very much looking forward to the challenge ahead.

Dick Advocaat

Advocaat, who has twice been manager of Holland, enjoyed success club level with a number of sides in the Dutch league.

He also guided Rangers to five trophies during his four years at Ibrox.

A club statement said: “He will be joined at the Stadium of Light by Zeljko Petrovic as first team coach and former Swansea and England under-20 goalkeeping coach, Adrian Tucker. Sunderland AFC academy coach Paul Bracewell will also support the head coach and his backroom team for the final nine games of the season.”